James Weldon Johnson

James Weldon Johnson Leadership Academy, also known as PS/MS 57, serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade in Manhattan. The school aims to provide a rigorous learning environment, preparing students for specialized high schools and post-secondary education. While the school is described as screened and emphasizes academic readiness, its ELA and Math proficiency rates are well below citywide medians, falling near the lowest quartile. The school has experienced multiple administrative changes in recent years. Parents generally describe the school as nurturing, praising the principal and teachers for their caring and supportive approach. The school is known for its strong arts program, including dance and instrumental music, and features an environmental conservation laboratory called the "Garden of Dreams" in an interior courtyard. Relationships with families are rated as good, though instruction, performance, safety, and school climate ratings are fair. Student survey data indicates some concerns regarding safety and conflict resolution. The school also offers an English-Spanish dual language program and an on-site health clinic.